The Labor enquirer., 1887-02-26
THE KNIGHTS or LABOR.
Preamble and Declaration Of Principles
Of This Great and Growing
Order OF Workingmen.

The alarming development and aggressive
ness Of great capitalists and corporations, un-
less checked. will inevitably lead to the
pauperization and hopeless degradation Of
the toiling masses.
tits Imperative, II We desire to enjoy the
full blessings Of life, that check be placed
upon unjust accumulation, and the power for
evil of Aggregated wealth.
This much-desired object can be accom-
plished only by the united efforts of those
who obey the divine Injunction, "In the
sweat Of thy face shalt thou eat bread"
Therefore va have formed the Order Of
Knights Of Labor, for the purpose Of organis-
ing and directing the power Of the industrial
masses. not - political party, for 1t IL more
lin 1t are crystalixsd sentiments and meas-
ures for the bsnent Of the whole people, but
It should be borne In mind, when sxercising
the right Of suffrage, that most Of the objects
herein cot forth can only be obtained through
legislation, and that 1t il the duty Of oil to ~
sist in nominating and supporting with their
votes only such candidates - will pledge
their support to those measures, regardless OF
party. But no one shall, however, bs COM
PEELED TO vote with the majority, and calling
upon al who believe in securing "the greatest
good to the greatest number" to join and a.
sist N, We declare to the world that our aims
are:
I. To make industrial and moral worth, not
wealth, the true standard Of individual and
National greatness.
II. To secure to the workers the full enjoy.
ment Of the wealth they create, sufficient
leisure in which to develop their intellectual,
moral and social faculties; ell Of the benefits,
recreation and pleasures Of association: In q
word, to enable them TO share in the gains
and honors Of advancing civilization.
IN order to secure these results, We demand
Of the STATE:
Ill. The establishment Of Bureaus of Labor
Statistics, that We may arrive at . correct
knowledge Of the educational, moral and d.
nancial condition Of the laboring masses.
| Nv. That the public lands, the heritage Of
the people, be reserved for actual settlers; moi
another acre for railroads or speculators, and
that all lands now held for speculative pnr.
poses be taxed 70 their full value.
| ". Tho abrogation ot all laws that do not
bear equally upon capital and labor, and the
removal Of unjust technicalities. delays and
determinations in the administration Of
Justice.
! vi. The adoption OF measures providing
for the health and safety Of those engaged in
mining. manufacturing and building indus.
tries, and for rindemnincation 70 those engaged
therein for injuries received through lack Of
/ necessary safexuarda. +.
VII The recognition by Incorporation, ol
trades, unions, orders, and such other Associa
tions as may be organized by the working
masses to improve their condition ana pro
tect their rights.
VIII. The enactment Of laws to compel
corporations 70 pay their employees weekly
In lawful money, for the labor Of the proceed
ing week, and giving mechanics and laborerl
. nrst lien upon the product Of their labor 4
the extent Of their full wages.
TX. The abolition Of the contract system on
National. State and Municipal works.
K. The enactment Of Aws providing for ar
bitzation between employers and employed
and TO enSorcs the decision of the arbitrators
H. The prohibition ~ law Of the employ
ment of children under Is yean OF age IL
wofkshops, mines and factories.
XII. To prohibit the hiring out Of convic
labor.
] KIN. That . graduatsd ineons tax b